lifestyles ■ Free Christmas concert in Nisswa NISSWA — There will be a free Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Saturday at The Journey Church in downtown Nisswa. Enjoy the Christmas season with an entertaining evening of holiday favorites and inspiring originals with Nashville recording artist Mark Smeby. Filled with...
Brainerd, 56401

Brainerd MN 506 James St. / PO Box 974 56401

2012-12-13 19:08:18

■ Free Christmas concert in Nisswa

NISSWA — There will be a free Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Saturday at The Journey Church in downtown Nisswa. Enjoy the Christmas season with an entertaining evening of holiday favorites and inspiring originals with Nashville recording artist Mark Smeby. Filled with entertaining, fresh arrangements of traditional classics, and a handful of stirring originals, the music of Smeby will make your Christmas bright. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the coffee will be on.

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■ Interactive children’s service planned

LAKE SHORE — Living Savior Lutheran Church, Lake Shore, will be led by the children of the congregation in an interactive children’s Christmas service at 9 a.m. Sunday.

■ Brainerd Lakes Area Ministerial Association

On Tuesday, the Brainerd Lakes Area Ministerial Association will be meeting over breakfast at the Brainerd Lakes Cafe, 2115 S. Sixth St., Brainerd from 8-9 a.m. Our purpose for gathering will be to encourage, support and pray for one another. The fellowship together will allow us to get to know each other personally. This will produce the added benefits of mutual trust and respect among our colleagues. Since the Ministerial Association is a network of professional clergy which crosses all denominational lines, we invite all area pastors to join us.

■ Pancake breakfast planned

HILLMAN — A pancake breakfast will be served at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hillman, from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday. Immanuel is located at the junction of Highway 27 and CR 47.

■ A theatrical production

of the nativity

This Christmas season Bethlehem Lutheran, 418 Eighth Ave. NE, Brainerd, will have an event to awaken people to the true joy of Christmas. On Tuesday and Wednesday, there will be an outdoor experience for all ages to enjoy. Walk through a three-station layout which will include a theatrical production of the nativity along with caroling, cookies and hot chocolate. The event runs from 5-8 p.m. and takes about 15 minutes to walk through. Kids are welcome, invite your neighbors and dress warm. While supply lasts, a free meditation, “CHRISTmas” by Nona will be given to each family.

■ Christmas program at The Church On The Wise Road

The Church On The Wise Road will present its Christmas program on Sunday during the 11 a.m. service. A simplistic approach to presenting the birth of Jesus Christ will include the speaking and musical talents of young children, young adults and seniors.

The church is located at 10345 Wise Road, Brainerd.

■ UCC Christmas program

The children of First Congregational United Church of Christ will present their Christmas program, “Matt and Lucy Version Births,” on Sunday at 10 a.m. Following the program, there will be a turkey potluck meal. Turkey is provided; others are asked to bring side dishes or desserts to share. For more information on First Congregational, visit the church website at www.uccbrainerd.org.

■ ‘The Christmas Cupcake’

The children of Park United Methodist Church, 315 North 6th St., Brainerd, will present their Christmas program, “The Christmas Cupcake” Sunday during both worship services at 9:30 a.m. and again at 11:15 a.m.

■ Breathing meditation

and Lectio Divina

LITTLE FALLS — The Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls invite the public to join them for Breathing Meditation (Centering Prayer) and Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading) from 6-7 p.m. Thursday in the Gathering Space at St. Francis Convent, Little Falls. Centering Prayer is an ancient and contemporary way of prayer. In a small group, persons gather for 20-30 minutes to pray in quiet, listening openness to God’s presence and action in one’s life. Centering Prayer is experiencing a relationship with God as well as a discipline to foster that relationship. It is a movement beyond conversation with God to communion with God. That is followed by “Lectio Divina,” a reflection on the coming Sunday Scriptures. Come, the third Thursday of the month, gather with sisters and members of all faiths to ponder God’s presence in your life, and open yourself to receive the gift of a closer union with God. No need to pre-register. For more information, call 320-632-0668 or email franciscanlife@fslf.org.

■ Nine Lessons and

Carols of Christmas

AITKIN — The traditional service of “The Nine Lessons and Carols of Christmas” will take place Sunday in St. John’s Episcopal Church, 417 First Ave. SW in Aitkin.

The service begins at 5 p.m. and refreshments will follow.

■ ‘O Great Mystery’

From Age to Age will present “O Great Mystery” in Brainerd at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 418 Eighth Ave. NE, Brainerd. The acclaimed professional music ensemble From Age to Age will be performing as part of their annual Lakes Area Christmas Tour.

From Age to Age has several connections to the Brainerd area. Founder Andrew Miller is a graduate of Brainerd High School. Additionally two ensemble members are Brainerd High School graduates: Koreann Martin (2008) and Ryan Fellman (2008).

“O Great Mystery” will feature four different variations on the Latin text “O Magnum Mysterium,” and the beautiful collection of Francis Poulenc’s Four Christmas Motets. Some crowd favorites will round out the program including excerpts from Handel’s Messiah.

Admission: $8-$12 at the door.

■ Good Shepherd Free Lutheran Church to

receive new members

Good Shepherd Free Lutheran Church will be receiving new members Sunday at the 10 a.m. service, followed by a cake and coffee reception. There will be an Advent service at 7 p.m. Wednesday with the message on “Invitation to Celebrate” by Pastor Gary Jorgenson.

For more information call the church office at 824-3052.

■ Advent service at Zion Lutheran Church

Zion Lutheran Church, 220 N. Eighth St., Brainerd, will hold the last of the Advent services on Wednesday. The noon service will be followed by a luncheon and the evening service will begin with a supper at 5 p.m. followed by the 6 p.m. service.

The children’s Christmas service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday. Come and hear the children present the Christmas Gospel with song and scripture. Young at Hearts group will celebrate its Christmas party at noon Monday with a potluck.

The Ladies Aid/LWML Christmas potluck will be noon Thursday.

■ FLC activities

On Sunday, the Sunday school students at First Lutheran Church in Brainerd will share the joy of Christmas with their annual Christmas program at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary. This year the youth will present the endearing story of the “The Little Drummer Boy.” After the program, a holiday meal will be served in Koinonia. Parents are reminded the children will meet in the old fellowship hall downstairs at 3:15 p.m. for costume preparation and photographs.

On Wednesday, First Lutheran (Brainerd), confirmation students and mentors will meet in the sanctuary for a Christmas gathering at 6:45 p.m. Activities will include games and fellowship.

■ CCC Christmas

Celebration program

NISSWA — Christ Community Church, 24646 Hazelwood Drive, Nisswa, will have its Christmas Celebration program during the 9 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. services Sunday.

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